Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the beauty of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness and enjoy views of Urquhart Castle from the water.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Departing from Doochgarroch Lock, our 2hr Contemplation Cruise takes in the made made part of the Caledonian Canal, sailing into the deepest waters of Loch Ness, pass Urquhart Castle before making her return.
Loch Ness
Our friendly team will be with you on board to answer any questions you may have.
What‘s Included
Live commentary on board
Drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks (snacks available to purchase)
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Options
Loch Ness Contemplation Cruise
Loch Ness, Caledonian Canal
Reviews
1,156 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great but guide was interrupted repeatedly
Connector60719209738,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This experience was fantastic overall, and our guide on 13/1/26 (Kieran I believe) was doing an excellent job providing engaging and informative commentary throughout the trip. However, during the tour there appeared to be repeated microphone issues, which the guide apologised for and explained were unusual. While this initially seemed like a technical fault, my husband and I noticed another staff member laughing and filming at the exact moments the microphone cut out again, which made the situation feel uncomfortable as guests. This led us to wonder whether the issue may not have been purely technical, and it detracted slightly from what was otherwise a very professional and enjoyable experience. I don’t usually leave comments like this, but the guide was clearly putting in a lot of effort, and it would be a shame if someone doing their job well was made the subject of a joke or disruption. I hope this is something that can be looked into so it doesn’t happen again
Great experience even in the cold and snow
Mark K,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great commentary and comfortable boat, a really pleasant way to experience Loch Ness what ever the time of the year
Strongly recommend
RebeccaB2338,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip, lovely staff, great knowledge, beautiful views and an all round enjoyable trip. Even the dogs enjoyed it.
Nice for the Loch Ness viewing
Fah M,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00All staff were very friendly. It was perfectly timed for the Loch Ness visit, allowing us to enjoy the view without rushing. We were very lucky with the weather.
Wonderful trip, highly recommend
lynncY5505GS,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip, wonderful views and excellent tour guide and lovely staff on board... recommend the Highland hot chocolate whilst on board too lol x some wonderful scenery , we loved it
Brilliant excursion - Highly recommended
133AM133,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went on the Caledonian canal / Loch Ness 2hr cruise in November. We were visiting Inverness for the 1st time & had come up by train. Used bus 919 at 1110hrs from Stance 2 at Inverness bus station to get us to Dochgarroch (the boarding point), which is a journey of 15 mins or so. Booked online as we set off, & it was all very easy (even for a technophobe like me). Warm welcome from staff on arrival & a bit of time to peruse the amazing gift shop, get a nice cuppa, & explore the canal towpath nearby. The lady who boarded us was really friendly. It began to snow as we set off, & with the snow from the day before, it was magical. The guy doing the commentary was very witty, but also massively knowledgeable. There was lots of info, without it being info overload. Very relaxing atmosphere on board. Lady at the bar was lovely & there is a choice of hot / cold & alcoholic drink onboard. The scenery is breathtaking... there is no other word! Had we had longer, would've liked to have gone to the castle as that looked very interesting too. Would normally post some of the wonderful pics we got, but a phone issue means we sadly can't 😥 The friendly staff, professionalism of the operators, scenery, information, and overall made us really glad we'd chosen to go. Highly recommend it if your in the area. The return bus was at 1523hrs from just outside the centre at Dochgarroch. Equally, a taxi wouldn't be too expensive, or on a nice day it is even walkable if you have the time. Return bus fare for 2 from Inverness bus station was only about £10 btw.
Must do experience
Valerie M,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful and interesting trip. Excellent experience and very good value for money! Everything you could wish for
History, humour and Nessie hunting.
Amanda B,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A very informative boat trip with plenty to see. The cruise went past Urquhart Castle four times to give passengers the best photographic opportunities.
A relaxing cruise
Wander65919150798,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the contemplation cruise and it was excellent. We chose this cruise as we had previously been to Urquart Castle. Ewan was our guide and his commentary was entertaining and very informative. We also highly recommend the hot chocolate with a wee dram. Cheers from a couple of Aussies.
Great tour, would go again.
wilburpig21,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It certainly did not feel like a 2 hour trip. Peter our host was knowledgable and funny and gave lots of interesting information about the lich and its history. Nessie didn't show up but the hot chocolate with whisky made up for thaf. The location also had a superb shop and a lovely cafe both worth a visit even if you aren't doing a cruise. Would certsinly go again.
From £30.74
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